Forensic Psychology

Description

A comprehensive overview of forensic psychology as it applies to the civil and criminal justice systems in the UK, which draws on the international evidence base, with contributions from leading international experts

Designed to cover the British Psychological Society training syllabus in forensic psychology, meeting the needs of postgraduate students

Chapters are each written by leading international experts, and provide the latest research and evidence base practice for students

Ideal for qualified practitioners as a resource for continuing professional development

The text is written in a style designed to support and direct students, and includes specific learning aids and guides to further study

Linked to an online site providing additional learning materials, offering further aid to students

About the Author

Professor Graham J. Towl is Principal of St Cuthbertâ??s Society and Professor in the Department of Psychology at Durham University. He was formerly the Chief Psychologist in the Ministry of Justice, and is a recipient of the British Psychological Society award for Distinguished Contributions to Professional Psychology. He was the first chair of the British Psychological Societyâ??s renamed Division of Forensic Psychology. He is the editor of Psychological Research in Prisons (2006) and co-author of Psychology in Prisons, 2nd edition (2008) and co-editor ofÂ the Dictionary of Forensic Psychology (2008).

Professor David A. Crighton is acting Chief Psychologist in the Ministry of Justice and visiting Professor of Forensic Psychology at Roehampton University London.Â Professor Crightonâ??s main research interests are in the areas of risk assessment, forensic mental health and neuropsychology. He is co-author of Psychology in Prisons, 2nd edition (2008) and co-editor the Dictionary of Forensic Psychology (2008).

Table of contents

List of Contributors

Note

Part I: Context:

1. Introduction (Graham J. Towl, Durham University)

Justice

Expert Controversies

Thinking about Ethics

Developmental Perspectives

Offender Profiling: Smoke and Mirrors?

Witnesses

Psychological Assessment

Critical Psychology

Drugs

Justice Restored

References

2. The Justice System in England and Wales (David Faulkner, University of Oxford)

What Justice Means

The Criminal Justice System

What Is a Crime?

Measurement of Crime

The Criminal Justice Process

The Sentencing Framework

The Criminal Courts

Police and Policing

The Crown Prosecution Service

Prisons and the Prison Service

Probation

Youth Justice

Home Office

Ministry of Justice

Law Officers’ Department

Other National Bodies

Some Special Subjects

Conclusions

Further Reading

References

Notes

3. Community Services for Children and Young People (Kerry Baker, University of Oxford)

The Social Context of Rule Transgressions: Normal and Abnormal Offenders

Overlaps and Tensions between Psychiatric and Psychological Knowledge

Psychological and Psychiatric Approaches to Mental Illness in Forensic Settings

The Problematic Relationship between Diagnosed Mental Illness and Risk

Conclusions

Further Reading

References

19. Mentally Disordered Offenders: Intellectual Disability (William R. Lindsay, Carstairs State Hospital and University of Abertay and John L. Taylor, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust and University of Northumbria)